If you were harmed in a hit-and-run accident in Sherman Oaks, CA, you may be dealing with injuries and property damage, as well as the uncertainty of not knowing who is responsible for your losses. You may wonder who will pay for your losses, whether the driver will be caught, and what steps you should take next after a car accident.
An experienced Sherman Oaks hit-and-run lawyer can help you get answers to these questions and seek compensation from the responsible party. The attorneys at JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers are here to help you after a hit-and-run accident. In Sherman Oaks, California
Contact our office online or at (833) 852-3600 to schedule a free consultation with one of our Sherman Oaks hit-and-run attorneys today.
How JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help if You’ve Been Injured in a Hit and Run Accident in Sherman Oaks, CA
Our Sherman Oaks personal injury lawyers have over 105 years of legal experience and have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for personal injury victims. We’ll fight for you to receive maximum compensation in your case.
Our attorneys have received several recognitions for their work, including:
- Best Lawyers
- Southern California Super Lawyer
- Martindale Hubbell AV Preeminent 5.0 rating
You can count on our Sherman Oaks personal injury attorneys to fight diligently on your behalf.
Our Sherman Oaks car accident lawyers can take the following steps to secure compensation in your case:
- Investigate the accident
- Work with law enforcement to identify the hit-and-run driver
- Assess the extent of your damages
- Collect evidence regarding your claims
- Track down witnesses and take their statements
- Discuss your legal options and rights
- Negotiate a settlement with the responsible party
- Fight your case in court if necessary
Contact our office to learn how the Sherman Oaks hit-and-run accident lawyers of JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers can help you.
What Is a Hit and Run Accident?
In California, you must stop after an accident and show your driver’s license and relevant vehicle information to the other driver or to a law enforcement officer. A hit-and-run is when a driver leaves the scene of a traffic accident without stopping or sharing their personal information. Hit-and-run accidents usually involve two cars, but they can also involve a car and a bicycle, motorcycle, or pedestrian.
If a driver knows they are in an accident that causes property damage and leaves the scene, they could be charged with a misdemeanor offense. Potential penalties for a misdemeanor hit-and-run offense include up to six months in jail, a $1,000 fine, and three years of probation.
If a driver leaves the scene of an accident and someone is injured or killed, they could be charged with a felony. The penalties for a felony hit and run are much more severe and include up to four years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.
What Should I Do After a Sherman Oaks Hit and Run Accident?
If you’re harmed in a hit-and-run accident, your first priority is safety. If you or someone else at the scene is injured, render aid if possible and call 911 if necessary. Move your vehicle out of the traffic flow if you can do so safely.
Once you’ve attended to any immediate safety needs, take the following steps to help identify the at-fault driver:
- Identify the at-fault driver’s vehicle make and model or license plate if possible
- Take a photograph of the at-fault driver’s car if possible
- Call 911 or the appropriate authorities to report the accident
- Record your memory of the accident as soon as possible; small details could help catch the hit-and-run driver
- If there are witnesses, get their contact information and ask if they saw the responsible driver
- Hire an experienced Sherman Oaks hit-and-run accident lawyer
There’s a good chance the at-fault driver was captured on traffic or security cameras or even on a witness’s cell phone. But you need to act quickly after a hit-and-run accident to ensure that this evidence isn’t lost.
Contacting a skilled Sherman Oaks hit-and-run attorney as soon as possible is one of the best ways to begin searching for the at-fault driver. Your attorney will speak with witnesses, search for cameras near the accident scene, and reach out to law enforcement regarding the status of your case.
Can I Still Recover Compensation in California if Police Don’t Find the Hit and Run Accident Driver?
Under normal circumstances, you would file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If the other driver flees the scene and you don’t know their identity, you can’t file a claim against their insurance company. Fortunately, you can file a claim with your insurance company if you have uninsured motorist coverage.
However, uninsured motorist coverage is more limited than if you filed a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. It will cover medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and similar costs. It probably won’t cover non-economic damages, like pain and suffering. Further, your policy will only cover your expenses up to your uninsured motorist coverage policy limits, which may not be enough to cover your expenses.
Another issue that may arise is if you’ve waived uninsured motorist coverage. In California, drivers may waive the uninsured motorist coverage by signing a waiver.
Our experienced hit-and-run drivers will help you explore all of your options for recovering compensation for your injuries.
How Long Do I Have To File a Hit and Run Accident Lawsuit in California?
The statute of limitations in California for filing a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the accident date. This deadline can be tricky if the identity of the at-fault driver is still being determined.
Contact an experienced Sherman Oaks hit-and-run attorney as soon as possible after your accident. If possible, they will begin looking for the at-fault driver and work diligently to file your case on time.
Contact Our Sherman Oaks Hit and Run Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident in Sherman Oaks, CA, you may be confused about what steps to take next. Contact our experienced Sherman Oaks hit-and-run accident lawyers to help you track down the at-fault driver and seek compensation for your injuries.
